Our summer training program for educators from communities underrepresented in the field of environmental education increases their experience with outdoor teaching and risk management skills.

We train educators

The NatureBridge Educator Development Program encourages and aims to increase representation of those who have had historical and systemic barriers to the field of outdoor education and consequently the workforce.

We seek individuals with experience and skills working with the following populations: racial and ethnic minority groups, English Language Learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that may be underrepresented in the field of environmental education. We are also looking for staff with experience in community service projects, leadership, social and environmental justice, and activism. Ability to speak and teach in a language other than English and relevant to our student populations is preferred (for example, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese in California; Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Somali in Washington; Spanish, French, Amharic/Ethiopian, and German in the mid-Atlantic region).

We provide access

NatureBridge is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promoting equal opportunity in the field of environmental education. This commitment furthers our mission to foster environmental literacy.

Educator Development Program participants who meet performance expectations may be offered full-time environmental science educator positions at NatureBridge for the 2017-2018 school year or as positions become available.

"This is a fantastic program that allows young educators from diverse backgrounds to break into environmental science education." —Cristina Murillo-Barrick, EDP graduate and former environmental science educator

Debrief teaching experiences and observations with collaborating teachers/supervisors and use the knowledge gained to enhance teaching techniques

Develop and maintain a safe learning environment for all participants at all times

Plan, prepare, and participate in a three-day backpacking trip with other participants and staff (Yosemite EDP only)

Required experience and education

Bachelor’s degree and eligibility to work in the United States

At least one year experience working with diverse ages and cultures in schools, camps, parks, community programs etc.

Sound decision making skills

Effective communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within your teaching and our community

A willingness to be coached and openness to feedback

Ability to hike three to seven miles a day carrying a twenty pound pack on varied terrain in all sorts of weather

Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Willingness to participate in and obtain Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification (as part of the Yosemite program); willingness to participate in and obtain Wildernes First Aid certication (for Southern California participants, the cost of WFA is reimbursed)

Desirable qualifications

Experience working with racial and ethnic minority groups, English Language Learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education

Involvement in community service projects, leadership, social and environmental justice, and activism

Ability to speak and teach in a language other than English relevant to our student populations. For example, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese in California; Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, and Somali in Washington; Spanish, French, Amharic/Ethiopian, and German in the mid-Atlantic region

Compensation

Housing throughout the course of the program

$72 per day (Yosemite); $85 per day (Southern California)

Application materials

Southern California

Applications due October 2, 2017

Include a combined cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and a separate essay describing your life experiences that have inspired you to help connect youth to the natural world. Indicate the student populations you have the most experience working with and are most comfortable teaching. Essays should be no longer than three pages, single-spaced.

Include a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and an essay describing your life experiences that have inspired you to help connect youth to the natural world. Essays should be no longer than three pages, single-spaced

Articulate in your cover letter why the Educator Development Program resonates with you. Specify which two of the four NatureBridge campuses you would most like to teach at and why. Indicate the student populations you have the most experience working with and are most comfortable teaching

“EDP has allowed me to not only broaden my skills as an educator, but to connect on a deeper level with the subject that I am teaching. EDP taught me how to portray the passion that I have for environmental science, so that it becomes contagious and kids are able to retain that passion and make it their own.”
—Ana Rodriguez